Idea: Google Summer of Code (GSOC) working group

[jefftriplett]

After talking with the fellows, a few SC members, and some directors this week, we might need a Google Summer of Code (GSOC) working group. The need seems to be having a central point of contact or a small WG that can help organizer the DSF and communities efforts.

I'm adding this while on the call, so I'm going to add some rough notes of the kinds of things this WG could do:

• Work with the SC to help target upcoming features/projects that might be a good fit for the program
• Work with Django contributors on potential projects
• Help communicate deadlines and identify other needs
• Be a resource for community projects that are participating or who might want to join.
• ...

[ulgens]

I'd like to help 🌻

• Work with the SC to help target upcoming features/projects that might be a good fit for the program

I'm particularly interested in this part. I can also help with understanding/planning the technical implications of the selected ideas in the bigger picture and/or potential ways to simplify the design and implementations.

[nanorepublica]

GSoC was vaguely on my radar in the context of the Online Community WG, given the amount of traffic that pops up on Discord and the Forum from hopeful participants.

My general perspective would be one to ensure they understand the culture of the community quickly and that we better structure our online spaces so they feel welcome but not become a distraction for other work happening.

All that said I think we are a point of contact and collaboration with this future working group.

[thibaudcolas]

Yes please! I’ve no time to help with this. But. Over the last 2 years I’ve been hoping to, and failing. What we need is 2-3 people to act as "admins" who can oversee the whole program + 2 months before + 2 months after, and 2-3 helpers for the crucial phases (community management of interested participants, proposals review, ad-hoc support for mentoring teams).

And if we could go beyond the status quo, there’s really lots of room for us to make more of our participation to Google Summer of Code. Encourage more stepping up of past contributors as mentors. Better shout out the contributors and mentors.

---

If anyone’s interested in this here’s all the docs for Wagtail’s participation, which I’ve been involved with from 2021 onwards: wagtail/gsoc. Our (very short) organizer guide in particular is a good birds'eye view of the necessary time commitment.

[jefftriplett]

+1 to what @thibaudcolas said. I'm happy to help with getting this ready for a WG, but I'm a little bit overcommitted to be able to run or be on the WG.

Would you both be willing to take this on and/or possibly recruit some other interested individuals to help?

[nanorepublica]

I am currently committed enough to be a member of another WG (I want to get the OC group up and running and taking actions first). I guess my comment is one of support from that WG in that we would lend support where we can. (and with that I'm going to advertise this issue!)